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5 sleeper players the Steelers could target in the 2020 NFL Draft

By Tommy Jaggi

LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Jordyn Brooks #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders on the field during warmups before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Oklahoma State Cowboys on September 30, 2017 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Oklahoma State won the game 41-34. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Jordyn Brooks #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders on the field during warmups before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Oklahoma State Cowboys on September 30, 2017 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Oklahoma State won the game 41-34. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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STARKVILLE, MS – SEPTEMBER 21: Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. #6 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs the ball downfield after an interception during the first quarter of their game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Davis Wade Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS – SEPTEMBER 21: Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. #6 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs runs the ball downfield after an interception during the first quarter of their game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Davis Wade Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Willie Gay Jr.

Linebacker, Mississippi State

Here’s a player with an intriguing level of upside. Mississippi State linebacker, Willie Gay Jr. (no relation to William Gay, former Steelers cornerback) has a rare combination of size and athleticism for the linebacker position.

At the Combine, he tested about the 90th percentile of NFL linebackers in the 40-yard dash, broad jump, and vertical jump while testing average in the 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle. These were really impressive numbers for a 243-pound linebacker.

Gay’s film still leaves a lot to be desired, but his flashes are terrific. He has incredible stopping power to his game, and he would be an excellent Buck linebacker candidate to eventually take over duties from Vince Williams.

There are questions with Gay’s character, however, and he was suspended 8 games for NCAA violations pertaining to an academic tutor. Still, Gay has terrific upside and is a potential steal on day three of the draft – assuming he makes it that far.

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Without Pro Day and facility meetings this year, it’s hard to tell exactly which players the Steelers have interest in, but these five guys fit the bill. Let’s hope Pittsburgh looks their direction in the middle-to-late rounds of the draft.

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